Training camp stock watch: Thornton making plays, pushing for roster spot

Training camp stock watch: Thornton making plays, pushing for roster spot originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

FOXBORO — Drake Maye was better. And Jacoby Brissett remained steady. That is the headline for Day 7 from Patriots camp.

But neither quarterback is going to thrive when the snaps become meaningful if they aren’t protected better than they were at times on Thursday.

It looked like the Patriots called for 22 competitive snaps of 11-on-11 work with either Brissett or Maye on the field. It could have been argued that seven of those snaps — almost one of every three — ended with a “sack.”

🔊 Next Pats: Drake Maye showing an encouraging INTANGIBLE quality at Patriots camp | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube

It’s early, of course. And the quarterbacks are under no threat of physical punishment in these practice settings. But what might be most alarming about the pressures that popped up Thursday was that four looked like they came as a result of unblocked rushers.

Eliminating those “free runners” has to be a priority in obvious passing situations. In one week’s time, a rusher who gets into the backfield unblocked will have an opportunity to tee off on whichever quarterback is behind center for the Patriots.

Brissett and Maye and their protectors are scheduled to play their first preseason game on Aug. 8 when the Panthers visit Foxboro.

Here’s our Day 7 edition of Stock Watch…

Stock Up

Drake Maye, quarterback

We’ll have the full details on Maye’s day in our Drake Maye Report, but he looked quick and decisive in red-zone periods Thursday. He had a stretch of six throws over the course of practice that might’ve included five of his best throws of the summer. He ended up going 5-for-8 in competitive periods, with his best throw coming when he whipped one across his body to K.J. Osborn for a touchdown along the back end line while rolling to his right. Maye was “sacked” on two of his first three dropbacks in 11-on-11 periods, and both were “free…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/training-camp-stock-watch-thornton-220452754.html

Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2024-08-01 22:04:52

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.